New Braunfels: Your Must-Visit Vacation Destination Less Than Four Hours from Arlington
Waterparks, iconic Texas spots, delicious food, unique shopping- New Braunfels & Gruene, Texas, have everything you need for a quick getaway close to DFW.
When I mentioned to my girls we were going to take a weekend getaway to New Braunfels, all I had to say was "water coaster" and "Schlitterbahn" and they were sold. My middle spent some serious time researching Schlitterbahn New Braunfels online, watching YouTube videos and making a list of all the rides we had to hit. When our trip finally arrived, she was ready!
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| So excited to be at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels! |
Honestly, if I had known how much fun New Braunfels was, we would have gone years ago! From quaint Gruene with its great shopping to historic New Braunfels with its German charm (did I tell you I speak German? Well, I don't speak it well, but I have a bachelor's degree in the language and a soft spot for the country, as my ancestors are from Germany, but I digress!), we loved New Braunfels from the moment we arrived.
Where to stay in New Braunfels
There is no shortage of great, affordable hotels in New Braunfels, including major chains such as Hampton, Hilton, Marriott and Holiday Inn. However, we were fortunate enough to stay onsite at Schlitterbahn, thanks to New Braunfels Convention & Visitor's Bureau, who invited us down on a paid media trip.
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| All smiles from our "porch" at the Treehaus Luxury Suites at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels |
We stayed in the Treehaus Luxury Suites that are located in the newer park at Schlitterbahn, and the accommodations were top notch! Our room had two queen beds plus a set of bunk beds as well as a full kitchen area. There was a great porch area with a picnic table so we could hang out and eat outside if we wanted to. The best part? We just walked down a few sets of stairs to get to the waterpark! It made taking breaks when someone had too much sun easy. Extra bonus? The evening activities and the two extra hours guests get at the waterpark before it opens to the public!
Things to do in New Braunfels
It goes without saying at Schlitterbahn is one of the biggest draws in this area, and with good reason! The park is awesome. Honestly, probably the best waterpark we have ever been to. From the tube chutes to the water coasters and the swim up bars to the lazy rivers, Schlitterbahn is full of endless entertainment choices for the whole family. The park is so big that you take a shuttle between the original park and the newer one. Alcohol is available for those who are old enough, and there are lots of food options onsite so you don't have to leave to get a great bite to eat. And honestly- you won't want to! We spent seven hours there on Saturday and didn't get to do nearly everything we wanted!
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| All smiles at Schlitterbahn! |
Outside of Schlitterbahn, we enjoyed walking around downtown New Braunfels and browsing in the shops. We bought a few trinkets at the Downtown Antique Mall and the girls bought a few cavities' worth of sweets at the local candy store.
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| Shopping at the Downtown Antique Mall in New Braunfels |
Gruene is an area of New Braunfels you absolutely can't miss. The area surrounding the iconic Gruene Hall (where many a country legend, including both George Strait and Willie Nelson has performed) is fun for strolling, shopping and enjoying your afternoon. I bought some cute clothes at the Gruene Goat and my oldest bought a cute t-shirt at the general store. We enjoyed trying on cowboy boots and hats and just generally being together as a family. There may have been a few ice cream treats involved, too!
Places to eat in New Braunfels
For fun and entertainment while you eat, check out Downtown Social. Bowling, arcade games, shuffleboard and more await guests while they eat and drink the day (or night) away. We were there in the evening and got to listen to a DJ spinning tunes before 9 pm, which is when this spot is open to 21 and over only. If it's a nice night, you can also eat outside.
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| All smiles at Downtown Social, New Braunfels |
For a German spot that is truly authentic, check out Krause's Cafe. You'll sit at picnic tables reminiscent of famous German beer halls (Hofbrauhaus, anyone?) and enjoy all kinds of great bites and drinks. I loved my lox breakfast- I ate literally every bite! There is often entertainment outside as well as great spots for kids to roam and a few great areas for photos.
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| Posing for pictures at Krause's Cafe New Braunfels |
For a spot as unique as Texas, head to the Gristmill in Gruene. The open-air area outside is filled with picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy a beverage (alcohol optional) on a nice afternoon. Sit inside for a full menu of great food. We got to listen to live music and sat under the misters to stay cool. There is also a great play area for kids who need to climb and play a bit before or after a meal.
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| Enjoying live music & sunshine at The Gristmill in Gruene |
Ready to book a trip to New Braunfels? This is your sign.
Honestly, the drive to New Braunfels was so easy (except getting through Austin. I literally can't imagine a time when driving down 35 through Austin will ever not be a nightmare). It took us less than four hours to arrive at the Schlitterbahn resort. On the way to or from New Braunfels, you can stop at Buc cee's for, well, for everything that one buys at Buc cee's (which is a little of everything if you're me!) or the bougie Tanger Outlets in San Marcos. You could easily stop through Austin or Waco and head on to San Antonio, depending on your needs. But New Braunfels is truly a destination unto itself, and it has not seen the last of the EA crew. I don't know what took us so long to get there in the first place, but now we can't wait to go back!
Thanks, New Braunfels, for inviting the EA Crew to spend a weekend in your fun city- it's truly a Texas gem!
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| Smiling for pictures in Gruene, Texas |
*Please note, this was a paid vacation for the EA crew in exchange for content on my social media channels. All thoughts and opinions are my own."
